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The Arrma Kraton 6S: A Beast on the Course
If you’re looking for a high-performance remote-controlled (RC) vehicle that can take on any terrain, the Arrma Kraton 6S is the one for you. This 1/8-scale monster truck is equipped with a powerful brushless motor, all-terrain tires, and an aggressive design that can handle jumps, bumps, and rough terrain with ease. With speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, it’s no wonder why this vehicle is a favorite among RC enthusiasts.
The Importance of Proper Maintenance for RC Vehicles
While the Arrma Kraton 6S is built to take on tough terrain and perform at high speeds, proper maintenance is essential for keeping it in top condition. Regular maintenance not only ensures that your vehicle performs well but also extends its lifespan.
Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs and even permanently damage your RC vehicle. To keep your Arrma Kraton 6S running at peak performance, it’s important to inspect it regularly.
This includes checking the tires for wear and tear, verifying that all screws are tight, and ensuring that all moving parts are properly lubricated. Many issues with RC vehicles are easily preventable with routine check-ups.
In addition to routine inspections and maintenance tasks like cleaning or replacing parts as needed, it’s important to know how to identify when more substantial maintenance might be required. One such issue that often arises in high-performance vehicles like the Arrma Kraton 6S is diff shimming – so let’s dive into what differentials do in an RC car before we look at this further.
Understanding Differentials
If you’re new to the world of RC vehicles, the term “differential” may be unfamiliar to you. Simply put, a differential is a component that allows two wheels on an axle to rotate at different speeds. This is necessary because when a vehicle turns, the inside wheel needs to move slower than the outside wheel in order to maintain traction and prevent skidding.
In an RC vehicle, differentials are typically located in the center of the vehicle and attached to both front and rear drive axles. They allow power from the motor to be distributed evenly between all four wheels, which is essential for proper handling and performance.
Types of Differentials Commonly Used in RC Vehicles
There are several types of differentials commonly used in RC vehicles, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few examples: Open Differential: This type of differential allows one wheel on an axle to spin freely while power is directed only to the other wheel.
While this makes it easier to turn and maneuver around corners, it can also result in reduced traction when one wheel loses grip. Limited Slip Differential: In this type of differential, power applied from the motor is distributed evenly between both wheels on an axle until one starts spinning faster than the other.
At that point, more power is directed towards the slower-moving wheel in order to maintain traction. Locked Differential: As its name implies, this type of differential locks both wheels on an axle together so that they move at exactly the same speed all times.
While this provides maximum traction, it also makes turning much more difficult and can cause excessive wear on tires. While there are other types of differentials available as well (such as spool or spool-type), these three options are among the most popular for RC enthusiasts due their balance between performance and handling.
Signs that Diffs Need Shimming
Difficulty Turning or Steering the Vehicle
Have you noticed that your Arrma Kraton 6S is struggling to turn or steer? If so, this could be a sign that your diffs need shimming.
When the diffs are not shimmed correctly, this can cause binding and extra stress on the drivetrain components, which can make it difficult to turn or steer your vehicle. One way to check if the difficulty turning or steering is due to diff shimming issues is by jacking up one side of your vehicle and rotating one of the tires.
If it rotates smoothly, then do the same for the other side. If there is no smooth rotation and it seems jumpy, then there may be binding in the diffs.
Unusual Noises Coming from the Diffs During Operation
Another sign that your Arrma Kraton 6S may need diff shimming is if you hear unusual noises coming from them during operation. These noises can range from grinding sounds to whirring sounds.
These noises may indicate that there is too much play between gears in your diffs. One way to diagnose whether these noises are due to poor diff shimming is by listening carefully while you drive your vehicle around.
Do you hear a grinding sound coming specifically from one of the diffs? If so, this could be an indication that you have worn out gears due to insufficient shims present.
Uneven Power Distribution to The Wheels
If you notice uneven power distribution when driving your Arrma Kraton 6S, this could also be a sign of diff shimming issues. When there are not enough shims present in one or more diffs, power will not be distributed evenly between wheels causing an imbalance in performance.
To check if this issue arises because of diff shimming problems – drive the car and see if one side seems to have significantly more power than the other. If you notice this, then it points towards an issue with your diff shimming.
The signs of diff shimming issues in Arrma Kraton 6S vehicles can include difficulty turning or steering, unusual noises during operation, and uneven power distribution to wheels. It is important to keep a close eye out for these signs so that you can diagnose and fix any issues before they become bigger problems that may lead to potential damage or breakdowns.
How to Check for Diffs Needing Shimming
Removing the Differential Cover and Inspecting the Gears
If you suspect that your Arrma Kraton 6S needs a diff shimming, the first step is to remove the differential cover and inspect the gears. This can be done easily with a few basic tools. First, use a wrench to loosen and remove the bolts holding the cover in place.
Set them aside in a safe place so you don’t lose them. Once you’ve removed the cover, take a good look at the gears inside.
You’re looking for signs of wear, damage, or any other issues that could be causing problems with your vehicle’s performance. Make sure to clean any debris or dirt from inside before inspecting it.
Using a Feeler Gauge to Measure Clearance Between Gears
After inspecting for visible issues or damage to your differentials’ gears, it’s time to check if they need shimming using feeler gauges. These are small metal strips of varying thicknesses used to measure clearances between parts. To use them on your Arrma Kraton 6S differentials, place one strip against each gear tooth and then rotate them so they mesh together as they would during operation.
Check for gaps between each gear tooth and its mating surface on other gears. Gaps are normal since gear sets have clearance tolerances built into their design but gaps that exceed those tolerances indicate that shimming is needed.
The measurement should be taken at several points around each gear’s circumference since some deformities due to wear may appear only in certain areas. It’s important not only to check if there are gaps between teeth but also how wide these gaps are because too wide of a gap will cause excessive movement within the differential leading to further wear and tear over time which can reduce its longevity.
Checking your differentials for shimming is an essential part of maintaining your Arrma Kraton 6S. It can prevent further damage and ensure that your vehicle operates smoothly.
Remember to remove the differential cover and inspect the gears for visible signs of wear or damage, and then use a feeler gauge to measure clearances between each gear tooth. Taking these steps will help you determine if shimming is necessary so that you can address any issues before they become bigger problems in the future.
Shimming Process
Materials Needed for Shimming
Before you can start shimming your diffs, you’ll need a few things. You’ll need a small set of shims, which are available at most hobby shops or online.
You’ll also need some basic tools like screwdrivers and pliers. It’s important to have a clean workspace and plenty of patience.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Shim the Diffs Properly
Once you have your materials ready, it’s time to start shimming your diffs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shim your Arrma Kraton 6S: 1. First, remove the differential cover from the vehicle.
2. Use a small tool like a flathead screwdriver to carefully remove the pinion gear from the differential. 3. Remove all of the gears from the differential so that you can get a good look at everything.
4. Check for any signs of wear or damage while you have everything apart. 5. Take one of your shims and place it over the pinion gear shaft, then replace the pinion gear onto its shaft.
6. Test how tight or loose everything feels by spinning it gently with your fingers – if there is too much play between gears, add more shims until there is no longer excessive play between gears (1-2mm clearance is ideal).
7. Once you are satisfied with how everything feels, reassemble all of the gears back into their appropriate places in the diff case. 8. Reinstall any screws or bolts that may have been removed during this process.
9. Double-check that everything is tightened down properly before testing out your newly shimmed differentials! Remember that proper diff shimming can greatly improve overall performance and handling while also preventing premature wear on gears and other components!
Conclusion
Shimming your diffs may seem like a daunting task, but it’s an essential part of maintaining your Arrma Kraton 6S. With the right materials and a little bit of patience, any RC enthusiast can learn how to shim their differentials properly.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to improve the handling and performance of your vehicle while also preventing any unnecessary damage. Remember to always check for signs that your diffs need shimming, and don’t hesitate to get in there and make adjustments when needed!
With proper maintenance, you can keep your Arrma Kraton 6S running smoothly for years to come. Happy bashing!
The Importance of Proper Diff Shimming
Improved Performance and Handling of the Vehicle
The Arrma Kraton 6S is a high-performance RC vehicle designed for extreme off-road adventures. When the differentials are properly shimmed, it can significantly improve the performance and handling of the vehicle.
With the right clearance between gears, power is effectively transferred to all four wheels, giving you more control over your vehicle. One of the main benefits of proper diff shimming is improved traction when accelerating or braking.
This means that you can push your Kraton 6S to its limits without worrying about wheel spin or loss of control. Additionally, when turning corners, properly shimmed diffs ensure that power is distributed evenly to all four wheels, reducing understeer and oversteer.
Prevents Premature Wear on Gears and Other Components
Another advantage of proper diff shimming is that it prevents premature wear on gears and other components in your RC vehicle. When there’s too much play between gears due to improper shimming, it causes increased stress on those parts during operation. Over time this will cause damage to those parts which may lead to costly repairs.
On top of improving performance and handling, properly shimmed diffs help prolong the lifespan of your Arrma Kraton 6S by ensuring all components work together smoothly. It’s essential to maintain these vehicles as they are not cheap investments!
How Shimming Affects Suspension Geometry
It’s important to note that proper diff shimming also affects suspension geometry in an RC vehicle like the Arrma Kraton 6S. With improperly shimmed diffs, suspension geometry changes slightly because torque is unevenly distributed across each side affecting cornering ability as well as acceleration/deceleration responses.
This may lead to unpredictable behaviour for racing or bashing applications if not addressed correctly. With the right shim adjustments, suspension geometry will remain where it should be, providing consistent handling characteristics.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for any RC vehicle, including the Arrma Kraton 6S. When you perform routine checks and maintenance jobs on your vehicle, you can identify issues early on and prevent them from becoming more significant problems.
Regular checks on the differentials and other components can ensure your vehicle is running optimally every time it hits the dirt. The Arrma Kraton 6S is a durable and powerful RC vehicle that requires regular attention to maintain its exceptional performance.
Proper diff shimming is an essential part of maintaining your Kraton 6S. By ensuring that all components work together smoothly without added stress, you’ll extend its lifespan while enjoying improved performance on any terrain!
Conclusion
Shimming the differentials in your Arrma Kraton 6S is an important part of maintenance to ensure proper performance and handling of your vehicle. By understanding the function of differentials and the signs that they may need shimming, you can identify and correct any issues before they cause further damage to your vehicle. Checking for proper clearance between gears is a simple process that can be done with a few basic tools such as a feeler gauge and some shims.
Taking the time to shim your diffs properly will not only improve the handling and performance of your vehicle but also prevent premature wear on gears and other components. Proper diff shimming is just one aspect of maintaining an RC vehicle like the Arrma Kraton 6S.
Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of all components are equally important to ensure optimal performance and longevity. RC vehicles are a fun hobby that can provide hours of entertainment when maintained properly.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you will be able to keep your Arrma Kraton 6S running smoothly for years to come. So go out there, have fun with your RC vehicle, and remember to give it the care it deserves!